Clothes and conscience

I recently traveled to Nicaragua for a three-week seminar with the University of Montana. We were there to learn about environmental and social justice and sustainable development.

I was most affected by a tour of a sweatshop in a free-trade zone. Imagine the worst working conditions, then multiply them by 10.

The factories are hot, dimly lit and cramped. Employees are crammed into long, narrow rows of sewing machines and cutting tables. Small, ineffectual fans move slowly above their heads, and windows are small holes in the wall that let in little light and even less breeze.

Large corporations (lots of them American) put workers in these situations. They want cheap labor to cut expenses and give little or no consideration to human rights.

Companies such as American Apparel, Maggie's Organics and Mission Playground are dedicated to producing and selling only sweat-free products. This clothing comes from worker-owned sewing cooperatives and other sweat-free factories. Conditions are humane, and the clothing is better made. Take a few moments the next time you buy a new outfit to think about where the clothing is coming from.